Mozambique’s unemployment rose by 1.8% in Q4 2024, totaling 190,558 unemployed individuals. The central region reported the highest unemployment rate, while the demand for first-time jobs remains crucial. There was a significant decline in job creation, with a noted increase in foreign worker hiring and incidents of illegal employment.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Mozambique experienced a 1.8% rise in unemployment, with 190,558 people recorded as unemployed as opposed to 187,149 in the preceding quarter, according to the government. The Labour Market Information Bulletin reveals that 91,215 individuals were seeking their first job during this period, while others were in search of new employment opportunities.
A regional analysis demonstrates significant disparities in unemployment rates, with the central region leading at 36.1%, followed by the south at 33.4%, and the north at the lowest rate of 30.5%. Gender differences were noted as well; in regions, female job seekers comprised 38.1% in the south, 36.9% in the centre, and 25.0% in the north, highlighting regional and gender-based employment concerns.
Among those registered as unemployed, 47.9% were seeking their first job, particularly in Nampula province at 22.9%, with Tete and Zambézia following at 14% and 11.5%, respectively. Notably, new job registrations were highest in Nampula at 17.5%, followed by Tete at 14.1% and Maputo at 13.4%.
The bulletin indicates a substantial decline in overall employment, with a recorded drop of 13.7%, totaling 103,834 new jobs compared to 120,252 in the third quarter. The central region accounted for the majority of new employment at 43.6%, while the northern region had 30.8%, and the southern region recorded 25.6%, particularly in provinces like Nampula, Sofala, and Gaza.
Female representation in job registration was noteworthy, comprising 33.3% of the total new jobs. Furthermore, there was a 2.1% increase in the hiring of foreign workers, amounting to 5,426 compared to 5,316 in the previous quarter. The wholesale and retail sectors employed the majority of foreign workers, at 43.8%.
The report highlights a concerning trend in illegal foreign employment, with 22 illegal workers suspended, marking a 29.4% increase from the previous quarter. Maputo city recorded the highest number of suspensions, indicating ongoing challenges in regulatory compliance within specific sectors.
In conclusion, the data reveals critical insights regarding Mozambique’s labor market in the fourth quarter of 2024. The rise in unemployment and registration of first-time job seekers alongside a significant decrease in overall new job creation highlights the need for enhanced employment strategies. Moreover, the increased hiring of foreign labor alongside the issues of illegal employment represents ongoing challenges that the government must address to foster a stable labor market.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
